2 top Jersey Shore BlueClaws' prospects to represent Phillies in MLB Futures Game
Jake Matson
As Lakewood continues to be the centerpiece of the Phillies' baseball future, the Jersey Shore BlueClaws' top stars are primed for their national moment at All-Star weekend in Texas in just over a week.
On Tuesday, the organization announced that Jersey Shore's Aidan Miller and Justin Crawford will represent the Phillies in the MLB Futures Game on July 14th at Globe Life Field in Arlington. Philadelphia's previous two first round picks are second and third-ranked prospects, respectively, in the organization. They also currently make up the heart of the BlueClaws' lineup.
The MLB Futures Game features 54 top minor league prospects from all 30 teams. No more than two prospects from a team can be selected, and the BlueClaws were one of just three High-A teams to have both of their major league affiliate's prospects represented at the event.
The honor highlights an exciting summer for fans and the team at ShoreTown Ballpark in Lakewood. The BlueClaws have four of the top 11 prospects in the Phillies organization with the possibility that more top prospects might be elevated from Single-A Clearwater as the season progresses. The Phillies' 11th-ranked prospect, Jersey Shore infielder William Bergolla, was named the organization's Hitter of the Month for June.
More:Blueclaws welcome Threshers' Aidan Miller, George Klassen to the Jersey Shore
Crawford has been a reliable staple of the lineup all season for the BlueClaws, batting .284 with a .740 OPS in addition to five home runs, 34 RBIs and 24 stolen bases while also displaying his athleticism in the outfield. Miller, a shortstop, joined the BlueClaws last month after batting .275 with an .884 OPS along with five home runs and 26 RBIs.
"I try and turn on every night and watch the Phillies games and there just such a fun team to watch," Miller said in an interview last week. "Top to bottom, their lineup and pitching staff, it's just a great group of guys. With the whole prospect rankings, I try not to look too much at that stuff. Just trying to stay in the present, but it's cool to be recognized and be honored in that way. It means all the hard is paying off."
The BlueClaws conclude a brief road trip to Wilmington on Wednesday, looking for a win after two straight losses started the home-away series. They'll be back home in Lakewood for three games starting on July 4th with exciting events for fans like two straight post-game fireworks shows and then Bryson Stott bobblehead night on Saturday.